May 10, 2013

Virginia State Bar Announces 2013 Law in Society Contest Winners

Thomas Forster, a senior at Rockbridge County High School in Lexington, has been awarded first place in the 2013 Law in Society Contest sponsored by the Virginia State Bar and its Litigation Section. Forster will attend Yale University in the fall.

Forster won for his essay “Teacher Intimidation in the 21st Century.” He will receive $2,300. This year’s essay theme had students explore online teacher intimidation by students. Entrants were asked to imagine that they were a legislative aide and write a law making it illegal for students to try to intimidate their teacher online. They were also required to argue in favor of their law and anticipate the arguments of those opposed to it and address them. The essay is available at http://www.vsb.org/site/public/2013-winning-essay.

The Law in Society award was developed to increase awareness of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution and legal system. Forster’s essay was among dozens submitted by public, private, and homeschooled students in the equivalent of high school. Forster will receive his award during a ceremony at Rockbridge County High School on May 30.

Connor Mills, a senior at James Madison High School in Oakton, and Olivia Laughter, a senior at Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, placed second and third, respectively. Mills will receive $1,850 and Laughter $1,350.

Five honorable mentions will be awarded to: Mallory Kirby of North Stafford High School in Stafford, Emily Lovekamp of Riverheads High School in Greenville, Sarah Baber of Millbrook High School in Winchester, Alix Nguyen of Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, and Kevin Zhang of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Herndon.

Each honorable mention will be awarded $250. All winners will receive plaques commemorating their win and the newest edition of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style.